Busy as the Dickens: Lots to see and do this Saturday, Dec. 1

Saturday

Nov 24, 2012 at 9:38 PMNov 24, 2012 at 9:40 PM

The day starts and ends with Santa Claus.Local residents will see a flurry of mostly Christmas-related activity this weekend, with the holiday spirit flowing non-stop from morning to night on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The Neosho Dickens Faire will bring much of the activity under one umbrella, though there are separate events going on throughout the area. The 11th annual event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Civic Auditorium, 109 W Main St., with vendors offering plenty of gift buying opportunities. To reserve booth space, call the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce at 451-1925.

Breakfast with SantaThe third annual Breakfast with Santa is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Civic. The breakfast is free and children will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Santa. There will be a professional photographer on hand who will be selling photo packages, though parents are also welcome to take their own photos for no charge.

Crafts for KidsThere will also be craft projects for children, including Santa hats and stockings to be decorated. When kids come to the Breakfast with Santa, they can work on their craft project.

5K Walk/RunAt 8 a.m., the Neosho High School Choir Booster Club will sponsor a Choral of the 5K run/walk, starting at the soccer fields at Morse Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run starts at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to register beforehand by contacting Tracy Lett at 312-9711 or by going online to www.joplinroadrunners.com, where they can download the entry form. Registration is $25.

Carriage RidesThere will also be horse-drawn carriage rides around the Neosho Square, going from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The rides are $3 per person and will start at the Neosho Civic. Individuals can get a $1 off coupon for the rides at any Dickens Faire sponsor locations.

Pet AdoptionFaithful Friends Animal Advocates is holding a pet adoption day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sterling Building on the southwest corner of the Neosho Square. The group will have lots of wonderful dogs and cats for your Christmas. They will also be selling last minute chances for a children's playhouse, which will be raffled off at the Dickens Christmas Faire at the Civic. see saturday, page 6A

Christmas BazaarThe Newtonia Betterment Association is hosting the 4th annual Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Newtonia Community Center. Inside booth space for venders is available and can be reserved by contacting Debbie at 472-3207 or Lucy at 638-5232. The Newtonia Betterment group will have an ornament and homemade candies sale. Food will be available throughout the day.

Victorian Christmas ornament workshopThe Newton County Historical Society is hosting a free Victorian ornament workshop from 1-3 p.m. in the schoolhouse at the Newton County Historical Park and Museum, one block off the Neosho Square, at 121 N. Washington St. All materials provided. Refreshments will be served afterward, and stick around to watch the Neosho Christmas parade pass by! Please register beforehand by calling 451-4940.

Pancake FeedUnited Methodist Men will host its annual pancake feed from 3 – 7 p.m. in the Neosho United Methodist Church basement downtown. The event is a fundraiser benefiting Boy Scout Troop 34. Come enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee and or hot chocolate before or after the Christmas Parade or both! Come in out of the cold and support Boy Scout Troop 34, warm up and enjoy the food and fellowship.

Jesse James film eventThe McDonald County Historical Society will host a get-together to view specific scenes from the film, “Jesse James.” They will meet at the museum at 302 Harmon St. in Pineville, at 2 p.m. The purpose of the event is to collect old stories and comments about the actual filming of the movie in 1938. Anyone who remembers a story, was in the movie, or was a bystander please mark your calendar to attend.

Neosho Christmas paradeNeosho’s Christmas Parade will be held at 5 p.m. The theme is “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” An expected 120 entries, mostly floats, will participate in the Neosho Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce and the Neosho Daily News. Lighted entries are not required, but they are encouraged. Entry forms are available at the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce office, 216 W. Spring St. There is no entry fee. The parade will start on Brook Street and proceed east to College Street, then south Spring Street, then east on Spring and around the Neosho Square and will conclude on north Washington Street near the Newton County Museum.

Christmas at Jolly MillAn old-fashioned Jolly Mill Christmas and annual open Christmas open house will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Jolly Mill Park. Visit Santa from 7-8:30 p.m. Refreshments provided, children are welcome to bring an ornament for Santa’s tree. Please feel free to bring a camera to capture your own memories of Santa and Jolly Mill. The park is located west of Monett on Highway 60, south on County Road 1010, west on County Road 2025.

Christmas JazzChristmas Jazz with Santa featuring the Jack Mitchell Band will be held at 7 p.m. at The Civic. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. The Neosho High School Wildcat Band is selling tickets as a fundraiser. Tickets will be available to purchase from NHS Band students, the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce Office or online at www.neoshodickenschristmas.com.